Questions
Short and to the point. If your question isn’t here, drop us a line.
Can I bring a damaged car into Romania?
It depends on its document. With salvage, parts only or a total loss mark, RAR won’t issue a CIV, so there’ll be no number plates. A car with a clean title can still be damaged. Lots like that do come up, and those are the ones we look for.
What’s the import duty in Romania now?
Since 1 July 2026 it’s 0% on cars built in the US. Cars built in Canada, Mexico, Japan and elsewhere stay at 10%. The buyer has to prove origin, and customs decides.
How much is customs clearance in Ukraine?
10% import duty (0% for electric), excise by a formula based on engine size and age, 20% VAT and a 3–5% pension fee. The calculator works all of this out at once.
How long will I wait for the car?
Usually 6–10 weeks to the port or border, then the paperwork. Nobody can give a date in advance, because it depends on the yard, the port and the ship. We give you a realistic timescale for the specific lot.
Which auctions do you buy at?
Copart and IAAI: insurance and used cars, often damaged. Manheim: a dealer auction, where the cars are mostly undamaged and private buyers can’t get in. We bid for you on all three.
What if the bid doesn’t win?
We move on to the next lot. The terms for getting your deposit back are in the contract.
Can I see the car before buying?
The auctions provide photos and a description. If the yard allows it, we can send an inspector, who’ll film the car and start it.
How can I tell where a car was built?
From the first character of the VIN: 1, 4 and 5 are the US, 2 is Canada, 3 is Mexico, J is Japan. You can check it under ‘VIN check’. Before bidding we also check the documents.
Can I buy through a company?
Yes, as an individual or a company. VAT works differently for a company, so we’ll go through that separately with your accountant.
How do you make your money?
A fixed fee for our service, written into the contract. We don’t add a markup to the lot, and we show you the auction receipts.
Can I clear customs in Romania and drive around Europe?
Yes. After customs clearance in Romania the car counts as EU goods, so it doesn’t need clearing again in another EU country. It’s then registered under that country’s rules, which we check in advance.
Do you repair cars from the US?
Yes: bodywork, paint, mechanics, electrics and detailing. We work out the quote from photos before you bid, so the repair’s already in the final figure. If stripping the car down turns up something new, we call you first, then do the work.
Can I order just parts?
Yes, even if you didn’t buy the car from us. Send us the VIN and a list, and we’ll price it with delivery. If a container is already heading over, the parts can go in it.